Bubble size prediction in gas–solid fluidized beds using genetic programming

The hydrodynamics of a gas–solid fluidized bed (FB) is affected by the bubble diameter, which in turn strongly influences the performance of a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). Thus, determining the bubble diameter accurately is of crucial importance in the design and operation of an FBR. Various equations are available for calculating the bubble diameter in an FBR. It has been found in this study that these models show a large variation while predicting the experimentally measured bubble diameters. Accordingly, the present study proposes a new equation for computing the bubble diameter in a fluidized bed. This equation has been developed using an efficient, yet infrequently employed computational intelligence (CI)-based datadriven modelling method termed genetic programming (GP). The prediction and generalization performance of the GP-based equation has been compared with that of a number of currently available equations for computing the bubble diameter in a fluidized bed and the results obtained show a good performance by the newly developed equation

The “untouchable” who touched millions: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Navayana Buddhism, and complexity in social work scholarship on religion

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was a twentieth century socio-political and religious reformer whose activities impacted millions of lives, especially among India’s Dalit community. This article illustrates his lifework and its lessons for social work scholarship on religion. Using the examples of Ambedkar and Navayana Buddhism, I discuss three sources of complexity for social work scholarship on religion: 1) religion may function as both oppressive and emancipatory; 2) religion is malleable, not monolithic; and 3) religion is situated in and interactive with contexts. I conclude with suggestions for how social work scholarship on religion may account for complexity

Miscibility and Thermal Studies of Cellulose Acetate and Modified Industrial Waste Lignin Blends

Abstract: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Introduction Blending of polymers is one of the simplest means to obtain a variety of physical and chemical properties from the constituent polymers. The gain in newer properties depends on the degree of compatibility or miscibility of polymers at molecular level The effect of poly (ethylene oxide) molecular mass on miscibility and hydrogen bonding with lignin was studied by (Kubo and Kadla,2006) using thermal analysis, FTIR and DSC analysis which revealed miscibility of blends over the entire blend ratio. (Fan et al., 2011) prepared a new biodegradable blend by incorporating alkaline lignin (AL) filler into the poly (butylene succinate) as a matrix. The blends were prepared between the 5-30% weight percentages of alkaline lignin. The mixture was compression-moulded into a sheet and their structural and mechanical properties were studied. The properties of lignin-based blends and composites can be improved by appropriate chemical modifications aimed at optimizing the interactions between or among the components of these materials, essentially by reducing the corresponding interfacial energy and thus enhancing their compatibility. To increase solubility and compatibility o

On-line optimizing control of polymerization reactors : a review

A new semi-empirical model has been developed to account for the diffusional limitations of the rate constants in free-radical polymerization. The model does not have the limitations present in earlier models and can be applied to semibatch reactors operating nonisothermally. Experimental results on monomer conversion and the average molecular weight are taken on a PC-interfaced l-liter SS-Parr® reactor to validate the model. A robust algorithm for optimization of a reactor has been studied to explore if it would be suitable for on-line optimization processes. Also, it has been found that viscosity and temperature data over short estimation horizons can be used for model-based state estimation. Work is now in progress to implement on-line optimizing control of MMA polymerization on a Viscometer-cum-reactor developed in our laboratory

Application of Natural Dyes Extracted From Latex Con-taining Plants on Silk Fabric

Colour is one of the most significant factors in the appeal and marketability of textiles products. Identified medicinal value for many of the natural dyes further enhances its popularity and acceptance. The objectives of this study are to study applications of dyes extracted from latex containing plants on silk fabric. Considering the importance and objectives the experimental procedure was designed. The experimental procedure was divided into three phases likely Phase I – Pilot work of the study, exploration of colors, Phase II – Experiment for dye application to develop a colour palate and Test for assessment of Fastness properties and Phase III – Product design and development and its visual assessment for overall impact. From the experiment work and their results we came to the conclusion that the objectives which were framed for the study, get fulfilled satisfactorily